Defense News: US, Japan agree to two defense pacts amid China worries
WASHINGTON ― The U.S. and Japan are close to signing a new five-year pact for Japan to support U.S. military forces in the country and a new agreement to research and develop new defense technologies, U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken said Thursday.
Blinken and Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin met virtually with their Japanese counterparts — Foreign Minister Hayashi Yoshimasa and Defense Minister Kishi Nobuo — on Thursday amid rising tensions between the allies and China. Austin participated from home as he recovers from COVID-19.
“We’re launching a new research and development agreement that will make it easier for our scientists, for engineers and program managers, to collaborate on emerging defense-related issues: countering hypersonic threats, advancing space capabilities,” Blinken said ahead of the meeting.
“When Japanese and American researchers bring their complementary strengths to bear, we can out-compete and out-innovate anyone.”
Read more ....
WNU Editor: China has responded to this defense agreement .... Japan deepens defense ties with US to target China, seeking to justify amending the war-renouncing constitution (Global Times).
Japan And US Deepen Military Ties In Bid To Counter China And North Korea
Joint Statement of the U.S.-Japan Security Consultative Committee ("2+2") -- US Department of Defense
Japan extends US military support amid China, N.Korea 'challenges' -- AFP
U.S., Japan hail stronger ties, including 2 new defence deals -- AP
Japan, U.S. Say They'll Work Together to Deter China Threats -- Bloomberg
US and Japan seek new security cooperation -- DW
US, Japan to Launch New Defense Research and Development Agreement -- VOA
US, Japan chide China as they deepen defence ties -- Al JAzeera